Category: News

On August 7, 2017, Steve Preston, Wendy Horner, and Amy Lanier appeared for Sentencing in Failure to Enforce Compulsory School Attendance cases. All three were sentenced and ordered to pay a $25.00 donation to a non-profit organization of their choice.

Ryan Griffin appeared for Arraignment on August 9, 2017. Bond was set at $2,500.00 cash or surety. Mr. Griffin will only be allowed to be in the counties of Bernalillo, Sandoval, Taos, or Colfax. GPS monitor was ordered if Mr. Griffin is able to post bond.

Alicia Howard appeared for a Plea Conference on August 9, 2017. She pled guilty to Count 5: Trafficking Controlled Substances (Possession with Intent to Distribute)(Narcotic of Meth) (1st offense), a fourth degree felony. Ms. Howard was sentenced to a 5 year deferred sentence. She will serve 5 years supervised probation, is required to make a $100.00 donation to Crime Stoppers, will undergo a drug/alcohol assessment, if treatment is recommended, it will be ordered. Ms. Howard will be allowed to transfer her probation to the State of Colorado if they will accept her. After 36 months, if Ms. Howard is substantially compliant, APPO will have the authority to convert the remaining time left on probation to unsupervised probation.

Gabriel Mares appeared for Sentencing on August 9, 2017. He was sentenced to 3 years in the Department of Corrections. Mr. Mares will receive credit for any time served on probation and is eligible for good time. A two year period of parole was also ordered.

Dominic Apodaca appeared for a Probation Violation Hearing on August 9, 2017. He admitted to 10 counts as they are outlined in the Probation Violation Report by APPO. Sentencing is scheduled for a later date.

Belinda Turner appeared for a First Appearance Hearing on August 9, 2017. The parties indicated that an agreement had been made. Ms. Turner’s probation was revoked and reinstated on all previous terms and conditions of probation.

A bench warrant in the amount of $2,500.00 cash or surety was issued for Charlie D. Romero for failure to appear on August 9, 2017.

Randy Sanchez failed to appear on August 9, 2017. A warrant was not issued because there is already an outstanding warrant issued for his arrest.

A bench warrant in the amount of $2,500.00 cash or surety was issued for Marshall Warrick for failure to appear on August 9, 2017.

Ronald Belinky appeared for Arraignment on August 9, 2017. He was released on his own recognizance. Upon his release, Mr. Belinky will have to sign a waiver of extradition. He will have to have a SCRAM unit put in place before he is released from the detention center.

William Crawford appeared for a Motion to Review Conditions of Release Hearing on August 9, 2017. Due to the defense proving that Mr. Crawford could not afford his current bond and the State not opposing the motion, the Court granted the motion. Mr. Crawford was released on his own recognizance and was ordered to report to HRDA for a drug and alcohol assessment, he is to comply with all recommendations of the screener.

George Martinez-Romero appeared for Arraignment on August 9, 2017. He was released on his own recognizance and ordered to submit to random UA’s at HRDA. All other standard conditions of release were ordered by the Court.

Michael Sandoval appeared for a Pre-trial Detention Hearing on August 9, 2017. The Court found that the State did not present clear and convincing evidence that no release conditions will reasonably protect the safety of any other person or the community. Mr. Sandoval, however, was found to have violated several conditions of release. The Court entered an Order Denying Pretrial Detention Pursuant to Rule 5-409. The Court also entered an Order Revoking and Setting Amended Conditions of Release Pursuant to Rule 5-403. In this order, Mr. Sandoval’s bond was set at $10,000.00 cash or surety. He will be required to participate in the Adult Drug Court Program and must immediately report to HRDA for evaluation. The bond may be converted to an appearance bond upon the acceptance into a 30 day or longer treatment program. Mr. Sandoval will not be released until the day for admission into treatment. Upon his release from treatment, he is ordered to report to HRDA for weekly UA’s.

Kenneth Romero appeared for a Docket Call on August 10, 2017. The parties indicated to the Court that they had come to an agreement. Mr. Romero pled guilty to Count 1: Distribution/Possess w/Intent to Distribute Marijuana/Synthetic Cannabinoids (1st Offense), a fourth degree felony, and Count 6: Resisting, Evading or Obstructing an Officer (Service of Process), a misdemeanor. He was sentenced to an 18 month suspended sentence. Mr. Romero was ordered to serve 18 months supervised probation, the State held his prior in abeyance, he is to undergo a drug/alcohol assessment, pay a $100.00 donation to Crime Stoppers, and shall seek treatment if he is found to have a drug or alcohol problem.

Alonzo Chavez appeared on a Motion to Revoke Conditions of Release Hearing on August 10, 2017. The Court denied the State’s Motion as there were extenuating circumstances as to why Mr. Chavez violated one of his conditions of release. He was advised that he may not at all be in Cimarron, New Mexico, while out on conditions of release.

Merissa Mares appeared for a Probation Violation Hearing on August 10, 2017. She was found to be in violation of her probation on Counts 2, 3, 4, and 5, in all 3 cases that she appeared on. Ms. Mares was sentenced to 9 years incarceration at New Mexico DOC, 5 years were suspended. She will receive credit for the 1.5 years served on probation, all pre-sentence incarceration and for the time she spent in custody after the most recent bench warrant was served upon her. Upon her release from NMDOC, Ms. Mares will serve 5 years of supervised probation through APPO and is ordered to complete the Adult Drug Court Program or another long-term in-patient treatment.

A bench warrant in the amount of $10,000.00 cash only was issued for Xanadu Vigil for failure to appear on August 10, 2017.

A bench warrant in the amount of $15,000.00 cash only was issued for Donavyn Armstrong for failure to appear on August 10, 2017.

Lucas Del Valle appeared for Docket Call on August 10, 2017. The parties indicated to the Court that they had come to an agreement. Mr. Del Valle pled guilty to Count 2: Possession of a Controlled Substance (Felony-Narcotic Drug), a fourth degree felony, Count 4: Shoplifting ($250 or Less), a petty misdemeanor, and Count 5: Use or possession of Drug Paraphernalia, a misdemeanor. Counts 1 and 3 were dismissed with prejudice by the State. Mr. Del Valle was sentenced to 3 years supervised probation with APPO. The State held his prior in abeyance. Mr. Del Valle is to complete all recommendations by APPO, complete a drug and alcohol assessment and follow the recommendations of the screener, pay a $100.00 donation to Crime Stoppers, and pay all fines and fees as ordered by statute.

Tamara Samora appeared for Docket Call on August 10, 2017. The parties indicated an agreement had been reached. Ms. Samora pled guilty to Count 2: Aggravated DWI Driving While Under the Influence of Intoxicating Liquor/Any Drug (Bodily Injury), a petty misdemeanor. She was ordered to pay all minimum statutory fines and fees. Ms. Samora will serve 12 months supervised probation with the Colfax County DWI program. She will be able to transfer her probation to unsupervised after 6 months if she complies fully with all requirements in her first 6 months.

Michael Koepke appeared for a Plea Conference on August 10, 2017. He pled guilty to Count 1: Receiving Stolen Property-Retain (Over $500 but not more than $2,500), a fourth degree felony. He was placed on a conditional discharge. Mr. Koepke was sentenced to 18 months supervised probation with APPO and ordered to pay a $100.00 donation to Crime Stoppers.

Raton Fire and Emergency Services were called to Crews Field Airport Thursday afternoon about 4:17 p.m. for a plane crash.

According to the FAA web site the Cirrus SR-22 aircraft was attempting a landing at the airport when it flipped over causing extensive damage to the plane. The pilot of the plane and passengers walked away from the crash with only minor injuries. They were not transported to the hospital.

There were flames around the plane but airport personnel were able to put those flames out with a fire extinguisher. Raton Fire Fighters sprayed the area around the plane down to dilute the fuel and keep it from possibly catching fire again.

This Cirrus SR-22 Airplane received extensive damage Thursday afternoon when it attempted a landing at Crews Field Airport south of Raton a little after 4:00 p.m.

Raton Fire and Emergency Services responded to an airplane crash at Raton Crews Field Airport at 4:17 p.m. Thursday afternoon

Raton Fire Fighters doused fuel that leaked from this airplane after it crashed on landing at Raton Crews Field Airport shortly after 4:00 p.m Thursday.

Raton City Commissioners met Tuesday evening August 8 and spent about 45 minutes listening to comments from the public about the proposed new animal ordinance.

The proposed animal ordinance is a living document according to Commissioner Chavez and author Leslie Fernandez who noted that feral cats were not addressed in the ordinance as it wasn’t in the old version or in other city ordinances that the work committee reviewed for the preparation of the new ordinance. Fernandez indicated that she would work on that item and create an amendment to the new ordinance once it is passed. The ordinance will be brought to the commission at the August 22 meeting for approval.

Those who spoke are very much in favor of the ordinance especially the mandatory spay and neuter part of the ordinance as Candace Coleangelo noted that there are dogs next door to her that are chained up and the one female dog is not able to run from breeding males that wonder by. Chaining a dog is one part of the ordinance that according to Fernandez was discussed at length and will have to be dealt with on a case by case basis for exceptions. Jake Brown owner of the Raton Animal Hospital noted that they have had to amputate legs and remove embedded chains from dogs who had been chained up too long.

Kelly Jones noted that Tractor Supply is selling chickens in groups of six and that won’t meet the ordinance limit of five. She also wanted to see the five-chicken limit expanded to at least six and preferably a dozen as some hens don’t lay eggs every day and five just isn’t enough to feed a family of four on a regular basis.

The ordinance will be brought to the commission at the August 22 meeting for approval.

Commissioners approved a proposal to begin work on the railroad depot for site improvements.

They also approved lending the Raton Housing Authority $1000 for a settlement fee. Terry Baca noted that several other housing authorities had sued the Housing and Urban Development Department for underfunding because they were efficient with their money and had built up reserves. The RHA has built up a three-year reserve and as a result were only being funded at 45% instead of the 85% that HUD had funded other authorities. RHA will pay the city back once they receive over $122,000 in the settlement.

Commissioners approved the public celebration permits for Raton Main Street Gate City Music Festival. This year Black Smuggler Winery, Colfax Ale Cellar and Red Door Brewery will be on hand for the music festival.

Commissioner also approved the dispatch agreement with Colfax County for $37,000, the same as last year.

City Manager Scott Berry told commissioner that the top five items on the Capital Improvement plan are;

#1 street improvements, the city currently has 60 miles of roads that they have to take care of. #2 is the Lake Maloya Dam which he noted is a top priority for the State Engineer’s office and the Dam Safety Bureau.

#3 is the replacement of public works vehicles which he noted are seeing more and more major repairs.

#4 includes drainage issues from Moulton to Legion Drive.

#5 replacement of police vehicles, some of the funding for those vehicles will also come from Law Enforcement Funds.

Berry then asked commissioners to approve extra funding for the steel building for the Solid Waste Convenience Center to be relocated out on Hereford Avenue. The increase in funding is for additional doors and hardware for the doors. The change in location Berry noted will be better for getting trucks on the interstate with less time on city streets.

The bid from Northern Mountain Constructors came in over the engineers estimate for the reconstruction of Taxiway “A” and the construction of Taxiway “D”. Berry is hopeful that the city can get some additional funding for Taxiway “A” from the FAA as well as reduce the cost by reducing the taxiway to 35 feet instead of the current 40-foot width. They are also negotiating with Northern Mountain Constructors to reduce their bid as they are already in the area and won’t have the mobilization costs of moving equipment to Raton that was quoted in the bid. Total bid for Taxiway “A” is $727,657 and Taxiway “D” is $506,202 which commissioners approved.

Commissioner Schuster was elected to be the city’s primary voting delegate at the New Mexico Municipal League meeting this month. Mayor Pro-Tem Segotta is in line for the treasurer’s seat this year and will be the secondary delegate.

Berry noted in his report that the ExploreRaton.com web page is coming along nicely and that businesses are learning how to setup profiles on the new Raton App. There is a construction crew doing crack seal on Cedar and Grant Streets this week. The city will begin chip sealing several streets in town next week weather permitting. He told commissioners that the Segerstrom Creek Restoration Project was now complete. The $257,000 project is receiving a lot of help from the recent rains. The replanting at the Multi-Modal Center is complete and they are waiting on the digital film equipment to go into the Shuler Theater and hope that project will be completed this month.

The next regular city commission meeting will be August 22, 2017 at 6:00 p.m. in the commission chambers at City Hall.

Kathy Honeyfield was presented the You Rock Award for her efforts around town by Commissioner Lindé Schuster Tuesday evening.

Jason Bennett, Laurie Bunker, Neal Cawley and JP Rodman accepted the proclamation for the Car Show and Bike Rally that was held in Raton last month. This year’s event was such a success that next year’s is already in the works.

Sandoval County, NM – On July 25, 2017, New Mexico State Police arrested Lane M. Reed (23) of Killeen, Texas for multiple charges after he led officers on an approximate 25 mile pursuit, during which Lane fired gunshots at officers at least three separate times.

Around 8:30 that morning, New Mexico State Police officers were dispatched to an armed robbery call at the Pecos River Station, a gas station and convenience store located on Interstate 25 at mile marker 319 in San Miguel County. During that incident, Reed robbed the store owner at gunpoint and stole the owner’s personal firearm and his vehicle, a Dodge pickup.

Hours later, Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Department deputies observed the stolen pickup on the west frontage road of Interstate 25 near La Cienega, around mile marker 272. When deputies attempted to stop the vehicle driven by Reed, Reed fled the area, traveling southbound in Interstate 25. Santa Fe County deputies and, later, New Mexico State Police pursued the vehicle.

During the pursuit, officers and eyewitnesses observed Reed throwing items out his window, including what appeared to be money and a firearm. Eyewitnesses later recounted to officers during interviews they observed Reed pointing a gun at officers and shooting. Officers attempted to use tire deflation devices in an attempt to stop the fleeing vehicle, but all attempts were unsuccessful.

Based on interviews, Reed first began shooting at deputies after the pursuit was initiated along the frontage road. Deputies observed Reed shooting outside his window at them. Deputies maneuvered their patrol cars to the right side of the road to avoid being struck by gunfire from Reed. Reed began firing at deputies again near Santo Domingo. Lieutenant Michael Delgado of the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Department returned fire at Reed from his department-issued handgun. Lieutenant Delgado fired through his windshield after verifying no other vehicles were in the line of fire; however, Reed continued to flee.

The pursuit continued southbound on Interstate 25. New Mexico State Police Sergeant Hugo Munoz encountered the suspect vehicle around Algodones. Sergeant Munoz stated he got behind the suspect vehicle and was attempting to perform a PIT maneuver to stop it. Reed began firing again outside his window directly at Sergeant Munoz. Sergeant Munoz was in close proximity to Reed because he was attempting to perform a PIT maneuver. Sergeant Munoz returned fire through his windshield using a department-issued rifle, but Reed continued in pursuit.

Reed continued throwing items outside his window, followed by more gunfire at officers. Sergeant Munoz saw rounds fired by Reed strike the roadway in front of him so he returned fire a second time. The vehicle then stopped and officers gave Reed commands to exit the vehicle. Reed complied and was taken into custody. No injuries were obtained by officers or Reed during this incident.

Lieutenant Delgado is a fourteen year veteran of the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Department. Sergeant Munoz is a sixteen year veteran of the New Mexico State Police.

The New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau assumed command of the entire officer-involved shooting incident and the State Police Crime Scene Team processed numerous crime scenes from this incident. State Police agents recovered two firearms, a large amount of US currency, and several spent bullet casings during subsequent searches of the crime scenes.

In a later interview with Reed, he told State Police agents he was involved in an armed robbery spree which began in Texas in the early weeks of July 2017. He traveled through Arkansas, Oklahoma, Colorado, and New Mexico where he was taken into custody. Reed admitted to committing crimes in Texas and Colorado and to the armed robbery at the Pecos River Station that day, along with the theft of the owner’s vehicle, pursuit with law enforcement, shooting at officers from the fleeing vehicle, and throwing incriminating items out of the vehicle during the pursuit. Reed also told agents he had removed the serial numbers from a stolen firearm he purchased. He also told agents he intended to “kill” the officers who were trying to stop him.

Subsequent investigation conducted by the New Mexico State Police revealed that the Raton Police Department had been dispatched to a robbery at the Cross Roads gas station on July 24, 2017, the day prior. The description of the suspect matched Reed’s description. It was also reported the suspect in the Raton robbery used a silver, small-framed revolver to demand money from the cash drawer before leaving in a Toyota four-door sedan bearing Florida plates.

When State Police responded to the call at the Pecos River Station, officers located in the nearby area a black 2018 Toyota four-door sedan bearing Florida registration. Officers discovered this vehicle had been reported stolen out of Denver, Colorado on July 23, 2017 around 9 p.m. The suspect from the auto-theft matched the description of Reed. Witnesses stated the suspect took the vehicle from the occupants after brandishing a firearm at a Diamond Shamrock gas station in Denver. The Denver Police Department was able to establish through their investigation that Lane Reed was the suspect in the theft of the black Toyota.

At the time Reed was taken into custody, he had numerous felony nationwide warrants, including:

Reed was booked into the Sandoval County Detention Center. He has been charged by the New Mexico State Police with the following charges:

Assault with intent to commit a violent felony (five counts); Shooting at or from a motor vehicle; Aggravated fleeing a law enforcement officer; Possession of firearm by a felon (three counts); Receiving or transferring a stolen vehicle (two counts); Receiving stolen property (firearm); Tampering with evidence; Armed robbery; Abuse of a child; and Unlawful taking of a motor vehicle.

Because Reed’s crime spree covered multiple jurisdictions in New Mexico, Reed will face charges in Santa Fe and San Miguel Counties. State Police is cooperating with law enforcement agencies to determine if Reed will face additional charges for other crimes committed during his multi-state crime spree.

The City of Raton has scheduled street maintenance work on Cedar Street and Grant Avenue. The Contractor will begin work today (August 7, 2017) and will continue throughout the week. The work will include temporary lane closures and reduced speed requirements. Residents are advised to use alternate routes if possible. Residents driving through the work zone are advised to be alert for crews, equipment, traffic and reduce speed.

Alonzo Chavez appeared for first appearance on June 28, 2017. Denials were entered on all counts and the surety bond set in the Magistrate Court was continued. Mr. Chavez is to continue report to APPO.

Jacob Duran appeared for first appearance on June 28, 2017. Denials were entered on all counts and bond was set in the amount of $5,000.00 cash or surety. Mr. Duran is ordered to comply with all standard conditions of release as well as check in with APPO.

A bench warrant was issued for the arrest of Michael Sandoval in the amount of $5,000.00 cash only for failure to appear on June 28, 2017.

Peyton Rodriguez appeared on a Motion to Dismiss. The Court granted the dismissal as requested by Defense due to the violation of speedy trial and no action and delay by the State.

Andrew Madrid appeared for arraignment on June 28, 2017. Bond was set at $5,000.00 appearance. Mr. Madrid is to comply with all standard conditions of release and remain in contact with his attorney. He is also to report to HRDA for random UAS.

Julian Chavez appeared for arraignment in two cause numbers on June 28, 2017. Bond was set at $5,000.00 cash only in each case.

Richard Demars appeared for sentencing on June 28, 2017. The Court sentenced Mr. Demars to 5 years supervised probation. All priors were held in abeyance and he was ordered to continue substance abuse counseling along with having to complete the Adult Drug Court Program.

A bench warrant was issued for the arrest of Deseray Duran in the amount of $250.00 cash only for failure to appear on June 28, 2017.

Shelbe Mastrantoni appeared for a probation violation hearing on July 10, 2017. Mr. Mastrantoni admitted to the violation and the Court revoked and reinstated him on all previous conditions of probation.

Judy Serna appeared on a motion to compel. The Court granted the motion.

Thomas Anaya appeared for arraignment on July 10, 2017. He was released on OR bond and was ordered to have absolutely no contact with the victims.

Lee Sexton appeared for plea conference on July 10, 2017. He pled guilty to Count 1: Possession of a Controlled Substance (Felony-Narcotic Drug), a fourth degree felony and Count 3: Aggravated DWI Driving While Under the Influence of Intoxicating Liquor/Drug (Refused Test), a petty misdemeanor. Mr. Sexton was entered on a suspended sentence for 18 months. He is to serve 18 months supervised probation as well as pay all fines and fees required for DWI. Community service is ordered and he will have to have an ignition interlock for 1 year in order to get a driver’s license. This sentence is running concurrent with a case out of the Fourth Judicial District. Mr. Sexton is to receive credit for the time he has been incarcerated.

Jesse Bossen appeared for docket call on July 10, 2017. He pled guilty to Count 1: Possession of a Controlled Substance (Felony-Narcotic Drug), a fourth degree felony. The State dismissed Counts 2 and 3. Mr. Bossen was sentenced to 18 months DOC, 18 months suspended, and ordered to complete 18 months supervised probation. He agreed to banishment from Colfax County and is going to attempt to transfer his probation to the State of Colorado.

Starla Richards appeared for probation violation hearing on July 10, 2017. The Court revoked and reinstated her on probation. She was ordered to report immediately to Tri-County. A treatment guardian was ordered along with a mental health assessment.

Matthew Mendez appeared for first appearance on July 10, 2017. Bond was set at $5,000.00 cash/surety or 10% to the Court. Mr. Mendez requested to admit to the probation violation that day and the Court allowed him to do so. The Court revoked his probation and he was sentenced to serve the remaining time he has left on probation in DOC, which is about one (1) year.

Melissa Medina appeared for probation violation hearing on July 10, 2017. The Court dismissed the State’s Motion to Revoke Probation because a defendant can not be held in violation until the judgement and sentence is entered. The judgement and sentence had not yet been entered when Ms. Medina was alleged to be in violation of her probation.

Jolene Onstott appeared for probation violation hearing on July 11, 2017. Ms. Onstott was found to be in violation of her probation by the Court. She was sentenced to 12 years DOC; 7 of those years were suspended and she has four years of credit for time served. Ms. Onstott will serve 14 months in DOC and qualifies for good time.

Melanie Gallegos appeared for a plea conference on July 11, 2017. She pled guilty to Count 1: Larceny (Over $500 but not more than $2,500), a fourth degree felony. The State held the priors in abeyance. Ms. Gallegos was sentenced to a suspended sentence of 18 months. She will be on supervised probation with APPO for 18 months on all standard conditions. The Court ordered that Ms. Gallegos pay restitution.

Mark Query appeared for an adjudicatory hearing on July 19, 2017. He admitted to violating his probation. Mr. Query’s probation was revoke and reinstated with the special condition that he will complete the Raton Adult Drug Court Program and is on zero tolerance with probation. He is also required to take random UA’s with HRDA.

Shannon James appeared for arraignment on July 19, 2017. Denials were entered on all counts and bond was continued at $10,000.00 appearance. All previous conditions set by the Magistrate Court were continued.

James Warrick appeared for a status conference on July 19, 2017. He pled guilty to Count 1: Possession of a Firearm or Destructive Devise by a Felon, a fourth degree felony. Mr. Warrick is to receive credit for the time he was incarcerated. The Court sentenced him to 18 months supervised probation with APPO on all standard conditions.

Julian Chavez appeared for arraignment on July 19, 2017 in 3 cases. In D-809-CR-2017-84, bond was set at $500.00, 10% to the Court. In D-809-CR-2017-92, bond was set at $2,500.00, 10% to the Court. In this cause, Mr. Chavez is not allowed in the Village of Cimarron, is to have no contact with the victims or witnesses involved, and is to be on GPS monitor. In D-809-CR-2017-88, there was a no bond hold entered. This bond would remain until the State files their amended criminal complaint.

Mary Chavez appeared for arraignment on July 19, 2017. Ms. Chavez was released on an OR bond with standard conditions of release entered.

Brittany Sandoval appeared for a plea conference on July 19, 2017. She pled guilty to Count 2: Possession of a Controlled Substance (Felony-Narcotic Drug), a fourth degree felony and Count 3: Use or Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, a misdemeanor. The Court withheld a finding of guilt and entered Ms. Sandoval on a Conditional Discharge for 18 months. She will serve 18 months supervised probation with APPO on all standard conditions and will submit to a drug and alcohol screen and comply with the recommendations of the screener.

Shannon Portillos appeared for a plea conference on July 19, 2017. She pled guilty to Count 2: Possession of a Controlled Substance (Felony-Narcotic Drug), a fourth degree felony. The Court withheld a finding of guilt and entered Ms. Portillos on a Conditional Discharge for 12 months. She will serve 12 months supervised probation with APPO on all standard conditions and will submit to a drug and alcohol screed and comply with the recommendations of the screener. A $100.00 donation to Crime Stoppers was also ordered.

Rebecca Romero appeared for a plea conference on July 19, 2017 in 4 cases. In D-809-CR-2016-72, Ms. Romero pled guilty to Count 1: Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor, a fourth degree felony, Count 2: Harboring or Aiding a Felon, a fourth degree felony, and Count 5: Resisting, Evading, or Obstructing an Officer (Service of Process), a misdemeanor. In D-809-CR-2017-74, Ms. Romero pled guilty to Count 1: Possession of a Controlled Substance (Felony-Narcotic Drug), a fourth degree felony, Count 2: Possession of a Controlled Substance (Felony-Narcotic Drug), a fourth degree felony, and Count 3: Bringing Contraband into a Jail, a fourth degree felony. The State dismissed 9 other charges that were brought. The Court entered a deferred sentence for 5 years. Ms. Romero is to serve those 5 years on supervised probation with APPO. If she complies with APPO for the first 3 years without any violations, her probation will become unsupervised for years 4 and 5. She was also ordered to apply to and complete the Adult Drug Court Program.

Robert Gallegos appeared for a plea conference on July 19, 2017. He pled guilty to Count 1: Possession of a Controlled Substance (Felony-Narcotic Drug), a fourth degree felony and Count 2: Tampering with Evidence (Highest Crime a Third, Fourth or Indeterminate Degree Felony), a fourth degree felony. Mr. Gallegos was sentenced to 36 months DOC, with 28 months suspended. He is to receive credit for the 8 months he was incarcerated. Mr. Gallegos will be on supervised probation for 18 months with APPO and shall successfully complete the Villa de Esperanza inpatient treatment.

Adam Rivera appeared for arraignment on July 19, 2017. Denials were entered on all counts and he was released on OR bond. Mr. Rivera agreed to enter into a waiver of extradition upon going back to the State of Colorado.

Josh Jacobs appeared for a plea conference on July 24, 2017. He pled guilty to Count 1: Battery on a Peace Officer. Mr. Jacobs was sentenced to 30 months DOC, with 18 months suspended. He will serve 12 months in DOC and will serve the remaining time on supervised probation with APPO upon his release from DOC.

Lisa Valdez appeared for a plea conference on July 26, 2017. She pled guilty to Count 1: Larceny (Over $500 but not more than $2,500), a fourth degree felony. The Court entered a Conditional Discharge for 18 months. Ms. Valdez will serve 18 months supervised probation and will have to pay restitution to the victim.

A bench warrant was issued for the arrest of Theresa Mendez in the amount of $2,500.00 cash/surety for failure to appear on July 26, 2017.

Dustin Pettit appeared for arraignment on July 26, 2017. He requested to enter a plea with the State at this hearing and the Court accepted the plea. Mr. Pettit pled guilty to Count 1: Criminal Damage to Property (Over $1000), a fourth degree felony and Count 2: Aggravated Battery Against a Household Member (No Great Bodily Harm)(Misdemeanor), and Misdemeanor. Sentencing was postponed to a later date and Mr. Pettit was released on OR bond with standard conditions of release entered.

A bench warrant was issued for the arrest of George Martinez-Romero in the amount of $2,500.00 cash/surety for failure to appear on July 26, 2017.

A bench warrant was issued for the arrest of Gabriel Mares in the amount of $5,000.00 cash only for failure to appear on July 26, 2017.

John Sanchez appeared for arraignment in two cases. Denials were entered on all counts and Mr. Sanchez was released on OR bond in both cases. He does have to report to HRDA for random UAS and must comply with all standard conditions of release.Union County:

James T. Kirk appeared for arraignment on June 29, 2017. Bond was set at $5,000.00 cash only. All standard conditions of release were ordered as well random UAs.
Bennie Lewis Gardener appeared for arraignment on June 29, 2017. Bond was set at $35,000.00 cash or surety. Mr. Gardener is to report to the Union County Compliance Officer upon his release.

A bench warrant in the amount of $2,500.00 cash only was issued for Andrew John Metoyer for failure to appear on June 29, 2017.

Nathan Vigil appeared for docket call on June 29, 2017. . Conditions of release were discussed and were set to remain the same from the Magistrate Court. Mr. Vigil was ordered to check in with Union County Compliance Officer.

Keesha Trujillo appeared for sentencing in three cases on June 29, 2017. Ms. Trujillo was sentenced to 6 years incarceration. 6 of those years are suspended and she will serve 3 years supervised probation with Adult Probation and Parole. All standard conditions of probation were ordered.

Joseph Martinez appeared for sentencing in three cases on June 29, 2017. Mr. Martinez was sentenced to 112 days incarceration and NMDOC, which he had already served. His sentence was changed from a Conditional Discharge to a suspended sentence. Mr. Martinez is required to obtain his GED within 6 months and will have to continue his probation sentence. He was entered on all previous terms and conditions of probation.

Brian Villeda-Flores appeared for a change of plea hearing on June 29, 2017. He plead guilty to Count 1: Distribution of Marijuana or Synthetic Cannbinoids (Over 100 pounds), a Third Degree Felony. Mr. Villeda-Flores was sentenced to three years DOC, 3 years were suspended. He was placed on supervised probation for 3 years and was ordered to make a $100.00 donation to Crime Stoppers. Mr. Villeda-Flores was also ordered to perform 100 hours of community service and a drug/alcohol screen with HRDA. He is to comply with the recommendations of the screener.

Eric Craine appeared for sentencing on June 29, 2017. His Conditional Discharge was changed to a suspended sentence and was given credit for all time served. Mr. Craine is ordered to complete anger management counseling as well as the 250 community service hours that the Court ordered previously.

Bobby Herbold appeared for arraignment on July 27, 2017. Bond was set at $2,500.00 cash or surety. Mr. Herbold is to comply with all standard conditions of release and will be allowed to live in Colfax County.
Dylan Nixon appeared on a fugitive from justice complaint. The State of Texas will have 30 days to come to New Mexico to transport Mr. Nixon. If Texas does not come within those 30 days, he will be released.

Nathan Vigil appeared on a motion hearing held on July 27, 2017. The Court granted the State’s motion to revoke Mr. Vigil’s conditions of release and bond was set at $2,500.00 with 10% to the Court. Mr. Vigil was ordered to have no contact with any of the State’s victims or witnesses.

Cheryl Luchetti appeared for First Appearance on July 27, 2017. Bond was set in the amount of $10,000.00 cash or surety.

Stanley Bullington appeared for first appearance in two cases on July 27, 2017. Denials were entered on all counts and was released due to the paperwork he provided to the Court from DOC that indicated he had completed his sentence fully.

Bobby Herbold appeared for First Appearance on July 31, 2017, on a motion to revoke probation. Bond was set at $2,500.00 cash or surety.

Nathan Vigil appeared for Jury Trial on July 31, 2017. He ended up taking a plea from the State mid-trial in which he pled no contest to a lesser included offense of Count 1: Aggravated Battery (without great bodily harm). He was sentence to 12 months supervised probation. If Mr. Vigil complies fully with APPO for the first 6 months of probation, the last 6 months will be converted to unsupervised probation.

Sandoval County, NM – On July 25, 2017, New Mexico State Police arrested Lane M. Reed (23) of Killeen, Texas for multiple charges after he led officers on an approximate 25 mile pursuit, during which Lane fired gunshots at officers at least three separate times.

The incident began around 8:30 a.m. when New Mexico State Police officers were dispatched to an armed robbery call at the Pecos River Station, a gas station and convenience store located on Interstate 25 at mile marker 319 in San Miguel County.

Officers received information that a male subject had entered the Pecos River Station and purchased a drink. The suspect, later identified as Lane Reed, left the store and walked to the frontage road and back to the store. Reed re-entered the store and pointed a silver, small-framed revolver at a female child with the clerk. Reed demanded the money from the cash drawer and the keys to the clerk’s vehicle. The clerk gave him the cash, approximately $250, but did not have any keys. The owner of the store, who resided above the store, came downstairs into the store when he overheard the clerk talking loudly to Reed. The store owner was armed with a 9 mm semi-automatic handgun in the small of his back.

When the owner entered the store, Reed pointed his revolver at the owner. The owner stated Reed threatened to kill him. Reed demanded, and received, the keys to the owner’s grey 2014 Dodge four-door pickup. Reed asked the owner where the pickup was located. The owner showed him, and Reed discovered the owner was armed. Reed subsequently took the handgun from the store owner. Reed left the store and drove away in the owner’s pickup.

New Mexico State Police sent an advisory to all nearby law enforcement agencies to be on the lookout for the stolen Dodge pickup taken from the Pecos River Station. Around 10:00 a.m., deputies with the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Department observed the stolen pickup on the west frontage road of Interstate 25 near La Cienega, around mile marker 272.

When deputies attempted to stop the vehicle driven by Reed, the vehicle turned onto a dead-end street in the Waldo area, attempting to elude deputies. Reed turned the vehicle around and fired multiple gunshots at deputies. Reed then drove onto Interstate 25 southbound attempting to evade law enforcement. He traveled southbound and attempted to exit at the Santo Domingo exit (mile marker 259) where deputies attempted to conduct a felony stop. Reed began firing rounds a second time at deputies at that location. One Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Department deputy returned fire at Reed through his windshield.

Reed continued southbound on Interstate 25. Officers and eyewitnesses observed him throwing items out his window, including what appeared to be money and a firearm. Eyewitnesses later recounted to officers during interviews they observed Reed pointing a gun at officers and shooting. Officers attempted to use tire deflation devices in an attempt to stop the fleeing vehicle, but all attempts were unsuccessful.

State Police officers observed the stolen pickup just north of Algodones, NM at mile marker 250 southbound and began assisting the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Department in the pursuit. A third time near that location, Reed again began firing out his window at officers. A State Police officer returned fire through his windshield and Reed then stopped and surrendered. There were no injuries to Reed or officers during the incident.

The New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau assumed command of the entire officer-involved shooting incident and the State Police Crime Scene Team processed numerous crime scenes from this incident. State Police agents recovered two firearms, a large amount of US currency, and several spent bullet casings during subsequent searches of the crime scenes.

In a later interview with Reed, he told State Police agents he was involved in an armed robbery spree which began in Texas in the early weeks of July 2017. He traveled through Arkansas, Oklahoma, Colorado, and New Mexico where he was taken into custody. Reed admitted to committing crimes in Texas and Colorado and to the armed robbery at the Pecos River Station that day, along with the theft of the owner’s vehicle, pursuit with law enforcement, shooting at officers from the fleeing vehicle, and throwing incriminating items out of the vehicle during the pursuit. Reed also told agents he had removed the serial numbers from a stolen firearm he purchased. He also told agents he intended to “kill” the officers who were trying to stop him.

Subsequent investigation conducted by the New Mexico State Police revealed that the Raton Police Department had been dispatched to a robbery at the Cross Roads gas station on July 24, 2017, the day prior. The description of the suspect matched Reed’s description. It was also reported the suspect in the Raton robbery used a silver, small-framed revolver to demand money from the cash drawer before leaving in a Toyota four-door sedan bearing Florida plates.

When State Police responded to the call at the Pecos River Station, officers located in the nearby area a black 2018 Toyota four-door sedan bearing Florida registration. Officers discovered this vehicle had been reported stolen out of Denver, Colorado on July 23, 2017 around 9 p.m. The suspect from the auto-theft matched the description of Reed. Witnesses stated the suspect took the vehicle from the occupants after brandishing a firearm at a Diamond Shamrock gas station in Denver. The Denver Police Department was able to establish through their investigation that Lane Reed was the suspect in the theft of the black Toyota.

At the time Reed was taken into custody, he had numerous felony nationwide warrants, including:

Reed was booked into the Sandoval County Detention Center. He has been charged by the New Mexico State Police with the following charges:

Assault with intent to commit a violent felony (five counts); Shooting at or from a motor vehicle; Aggravated fleeing a law enforcement officer; Possession of firearm by a felon (three counts); Receiving or transferring a stolen vehicle (two counts); Receiving stolen property (firearm); Tampering with evidence; Armed robbery; Abuse of a child; and Unlawful taking of a motor vehicle.

Because Reed’s crime spree covered multiple jurisdictions in New Mexico, Reed will face charges in Santa Fe and San Miguel Counties. State Police is cooperating with law enforcement agencies to determine if Reed will face additional charges for other crimes committed during his multi-state crime spree.

Sandoval County, NM – Around 8:30 this morning, New Mexico State Police officers were dispatched to an armed robbery call at the Pecos River Station, a gas station and convenience store located on Interstate 25 at mile marker 319 in San Miguel County.

Officers received information that a male subject had entered the Pecos River Station and purchased a drink. The suspect, later identified as Lane M. Reed (23), left the store and walked to the frontage road and back to the store. Reed re-entered the store and pointed a silver, small-framed revolver at a female child with the clerk. Reed demanded the money from the cash drawer and the keys to the clerk’s vehicle. The clerk gave him the cash, approximately $250, but did not have any keys. The owner of the store, who resided above the store, came downstairs into the store when he overheard the clerk talking loudly to Reed. The store owner was armed with a 9 mm semi-automatic handgun in the small of his back.

When the owner entered the store, Reed pointed his revolver at the owner. Reed demanded, and received, the keys to the owner’s grey 2014 Dodge four-door pickup. Reed asked the owner where the pickup was located. The owner showed him, and Reed discovered the owner was armed. Reed subsequently took the handgun from the store owner. Reed left the store and drove away in the owner’s pickup.

New Mexico State Police sent an advisory to all nearby law enforcement agencies to be on the lookout for the stolen Dodge pickup taken from the Pecos River Station. Around 10:00 a.m., deputies with the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Department observed the stolen pickup on the west frontage road of Interstate 25 near La Cienega, around mile marker 272.

When deputies attempted to stop the vehicle driven by Reed, the vehicle turned onto a dead-end street in the Waldo area, attempting to elude deputies. Reed turned the vehicle around and fired multiple gunshots at deputies. Reed then drove onto Interstate 25 southbound attempting to evade law enforcement. He traveled southbound and attempted to exit at the Santo Domingo exit (mile marker 259) where deputies attempted to conduct a felony stop. Reed began firing rounds a second time at deputies at that location. One Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Department deputy returned fire at Reed through his windshield.

Reed continued southbound on Interstate 25. Officers and eyewitnesses observed him throwing items out his window, including what appeared to be money and a firearm. Eyewitnesses later recounted to officers during interviews they observed Reed pointing a gun at officers and shooting.

State Police officers observed the stolen pickup just north of Algodones at mile marker 250 southbound and began assisting the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Department in the pursuit. A third time near that location, Reed again began firing out his window at officers. A State Police officer returned fire through his windshield and Reed then stopped and surrendered. There were no injuries obtained by Reed or officers during the incident.

When officers took Reed into custody, he told officers he knew he was wanted by law enforcement and he wanted to “go out with a bang.” Reed had numerous felony warrants from across the nation for crimes including robbery, aggravated robbery, and aggravated motor vehicle theft. He was wanted for several armed robberies in Texas and had threatened “suicide by cop.”

The New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau is investigating the entire officer-involved shooting incident. State Police is also investigating the armed robbery at the Pecos River Station. The NMSP Crime Scene Team is processing multiple crime scenes covering this entire incident. Officers recovered a revolver and money along Interstate 25 in separate locations where Reed was observed to have been throwing items out his window.

Subsequent investigation conducted by the New Mexico State Police revealed that the Raton Police Department had been dispatched to a robbery at the Cross Roads gas station on July 24, 2017, the day prior. The description of the suspect matched Reed’s description. It was also reported the suspect in the Raton robbery used a silver, small-framed revolver to demand money from the cash drawer before leaving in a Toyota four-door sedan bearing Florida plates.

When State Police responded to the call at the Pecos River Station, officers located in the nearby area a black 2018 Toyota four-door sedan bearing Florida registration. Officers discovered this vehicle had been reported stolen out of Denver, Colorado on July 23, 2017 around 9 p.m. The suspect from the auto-theft matched the description of Reed. Witnesses stated the suspect took the vehicle from the occupants after brandishing a firearm at a Diamond Shamrock gas station in Denver. The Denver Police Department was able to establish through their investigation that Lane Reed was the suspect in the theft of the black Toyota.

Reed was booked into the Sandoval County Detention Center for charges from this incident as well as numerous nationwide warrants.

The names of the officers involved in the shooting incident will not be released until after all interviews are conducted. This investigation remains ongoing. When more information is available it will be disseminated.

Raton City Commissioners met Tuesday evening, July 25th in the commission chambers to deal with a lengthy agenda as Commissioners approved a lease agreement with Amtrak and a deed of easement with Amtrak for use of the RatonTrain Depot. City Manager Scott Berry noted that with over 15,000 passengers through Raton each year that it is important to have that in place to help service those passengers.

Commissioners started the business part of the meeting began with a report by Laura Brewer on the progress the Northside Neighborhood Watch Program has made in cleaning up the area north of I-25. Brewer noted in her program that they had worked hard to make the neighborhood look good by getting with neighbors and addressing problems and had put one probation violator in jail due to his neglected property. Brewer is also hoping to be able to better use the abandoned vehicle ordinance to help clean up some abandoned cars that have cluttered up the area.

Commissioners then approved the street closures for the Gate City Music Festival and the St Patrick’s St. Joseph’s Annual Fiesta. The Gate City Music Festival will occur over the Labor Day weekend while the Fiesta has changed their dates to the end of September.

Commissioners approved a permit for Bright Rectangle Films, Inc. to film in downtown Raton Saturday morning, July 29. They will be filming scenes for “The Hill and the Hole”. Its a video about a land surveyor that discovers a strange mound near a small town in New Mexico, only to find that the mound and its secrets have in fact found him. The film crews will be filming in Raton early Saturday morning beginning about 5:00 a.m.

Commissioners then opened the floor for public input on the animal ordinance with no response and the Capital Improvement Plan also hearing no response as City Manager Scott Berry went over the top five items on the plan. (Link to Animal Ordinance) (Link to ICIP Report 2017)

Commissioners approved the Raton Water Works final budget adjustment of the year as well as the city’s final budget adjustment. Both adjustments balance out the books for the end of the fiscal year. The June financial report from City Treasurer Michael Anne Antonucci shows an increase of 2.5% in the Gross Receipts Tax collection or just over $67,400. The city will end the fiscal year with a cash balance of $1,762,505.12 and begin the 2018 fiscal year with $1,363,302.62 while holding back a 1/12th reserve of $399,202.50. (Link to Budget Adjustment#16) (Link to June 2017 Financial Rpt)

Final budgets for the City of Raton, Raton Water Works and Raton Public Service were approved and as City Treasurer Michael Anne Antonucci noted the city’s budget is a living document and will change with budget adjustments throughout the year. City Manager Scott Berry highly commended Antonucci’s efforts in getting the budget submitted on time by July 31st to the DFA.

The bid for Taxiway A at the Raton Crews Field Airport was put on hold until the bid for Taxiway D is opened on Thursday. Both bids will be brought back to the commission at the August 8 meeting.

Commissioners approved the Coop agreement pledging matching funds with NMDOT. The $44,815 grant is split at 75/25 with the state portion being $33,611 and the city’s portion at $11,204. These funds will go to chip seal projects on portions of several streets in Raton. They also approved the MAP agreement which totals $200,000 with the state portion at $150,000 and the city matching that at $50,000. These funds will be used for Hospital Drive with primary concern on the big dip. Gas Tax monies will be used as the matching funds and construction is expected to begin in the spring or summer of 2018.

Work continues on the shooting range in the Armory building at the airport, Berry noted that this is the third time that contractors have worked on lead abatement in the room and hopefully the third time is a charm. There will be a group in town doing a tree survey to collect tree data. Friday the contractor will be in town to replace the trees and vegetation that didn’t make it through the winter at the Multi-Modal center, this is warranty work.

Berry noted the school board approved the resource officer and they are looking forward to having that officer in place as the school year begins mid August.

Commissioners will meet again August 8 at 6:00 p.m. for their next regular meeting which will be broadcast on AM 1490 KRTN.

The Abandoned Vehicle Ordinance will be used to help the north side neighborhood watch group get abandoned vehicles cleaned up with the cooperation of the Raton Police Dept.

They came from near and far to show off their classic old cars for the first ever Run To Raton July 21 thru the 23rd on Raton’s historic First Street.

48 cars registered for the event with several more that simply showed up and wanted to show off the car they had restored or have taken great care of over the years. Cars from Arizona, Colorado and New Mexico came to the show with William Cunico coming from Gilbert Arizona to take the long distance award.

It wouldn’t be a car show without the girls, as 17 ladies got into the spirit and decked out in 1950’s era dresses to compete in the Miss Run to Raton Pinup Contest. Jenny Bacca Mills was chosen as Ms Run to Raton to win the pinup contest.

Along with the cars came 200 custom built motorcycles with many coming to see the creations of JP Rodman. Rodman raffled off a custom built trike that he and Jim Harper created. Frank Carrasco from Raton showed off his custom built bicycle and garnered the trophy for best bicycle with his entry.

Neal Cawley, president of the Sinner’s Car Club, noted they are already planning for next year’s event as they were very pleased with the turnout and reception by Raton residents and businesses.

2017 Run to Raton Car Show Winners

People’s Choice Award – Denver Feldman

Motorcycle Peoples Choice Award – Danny Vukonich

Sinner’s Pick Award/Arizona – Gilbert Aragon

Sinner’s Pick Award/ New Mexico – Ted Aragon

Longest Distance Driven – William Cunico, Gilbert Arizona

Best Bicycle – Frank Carrasco

Run to Raton Pinup Results

Ms Run to Raton Jenny Bacca Mills

First runner up – Jen Bayless Kuiper

Second runner up – TieAnna Angeli

Hometown Honey – Elena Flores

Bad Girl – July Hunnicutt

This trike, built by JP Rodman, was raffled off during the Run To Raton car show on Saturday. JP is becoming well known for his creations in the bike world.

The crowds came and went during the day at the Run to Raton Car Show held on First Street Saturday at least until the skies opened up and sent many for cover.

Thats not on the car window! This meal was found in the trunk of an old chevy during the Run to Raton Car Show held on First Street.

When was the last time you saw this kind of whitewall on a tire? These old Chevrolet cars found their way to the Run to Raton car show from Colorado.

The sparkle on Chevrolet was found Saturday Morning at the Run for Raton car show

DJ Teddy Romero got the kids into the car show with a tug of war on the lawn of the Multi-Model Center on First Street.

The group Secondhand, led by Abe Elliot with Matt Alcorn on guitar and Wesley Mayfield on percussion performed to a small crowd after the rains came and sent many spectators looking for cover.

Saturday evening found tents and bikes in downtown Raton. Bikers used the empty lot across from JP Rodman’s shop for camping while their bikes were parked by the shop.

Bikes lined the street in front of JP Rodman’s shop Saturday evening while riders congregated inside for the Run to Raton car show and see some of Rodman’s creations including the trike that was to be raffled off.

Jenny Bacca Mills was chosen a Ms Run To Raton Pinup Saturday afternoon at the Run to Raton Car Show. Photo by Laurie Bunker She also entered her 1965 red Mustang in the car show!

William Cunico took the longest distance award driving in from Gilbert Arizona to show his car.

Sinner’s Car Club awarded Gilbert Aragon the Sinner’s Pick award, Aragon hales from Arizona as well

Ted Aragon was awarded the Sinner’s pick as well for his car haling from New Mexico

Frank Carrasco was awarded the trophy for best bicycle of the Run to Raton Car Show

Denver Feldman (left) took the People’s Choice award for his big 4-wheel drive pickup while Danny Vukonich (right) took the People’s Choice Award for Motorcycle. His 3-Wheeler which just happens to be sitting in the back of Feldman’s pickup.